Daylily

Hemerocallis spp.

Hemerocallis comes from two Greek words meaning ''beauty'' and ''day,'' referring to the fact that each beautiful flower lasts only a day. Each flower stem has at least 12 flower buds, so the plant stays in bloom for several weeks, despite the flower only lasting a day. Daylilies are basically sun lovers. They bloom admirably in six hours of sun and will make do with less, but the more sun they get, the better.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvesting

Flowers can be harvested from late spring to early summer.

Propagation

Division

Divide in spring or autumn shortly after they have finished flowering. Cut the foliage back to around 30 cm. Plant divided clumps in a hole that is not too deep, more or less the same depth they were. Cover with soil and water well.

Seed

Make a furrow 3 cms deep, as long as the bed will accommodate. Plant the seeds between 3 - 15 cms apart and cover with soil. Firm the soil over the planted row. Transplant as soon as the leaves touch each other.

Special features

Crop rotation

Light Feeder

Attractive flowers

Long blooming season, known to bloom from late spring until autumn. Flowers range from 5 - 20 cm in the familiar Lily shape and consist of 3 petals and 3 sepals.

Geography

Origin

China and Asia

Natural climate

Temperate to warm

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Wet

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Frost hardiness

Half-Hardy

Uses

Medicinal

Was taken as tea for pain-killing properties in the late 19th century.

Edible

The flower buds (while they are still green and firm) can be steamed, boiled, pickled or stir-fried. The fresh petals are lovely in salads, and dried, for use in clear broths or miso soups.

Notes

Culinary

Personality

Family

Asphodelaceae

Flower colour

Yellow, red, brown, orange and variations of these.

Scent

None

Problems

New growth may be damaged by slugs and snails. Rust when too wet, overall resistant to pests and diseases.